The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle

by David Partelow

  Theophilus sighed. I never questioned the depth you felt, Calla. Never once. I just fear that such feelings have fallen victim to circumstance. I held to my duty and you to yours. And now there is Mondoor. Knowing you are next to me and feeling like you are already miles away is one of the more painful things I have ever endured, said the weed.

  Still holding to Digus with her left hand, Calla reached out and took the little weed's hand with her right. I am here, Theophilus. I am still in your heart and you are still within mine. That stands for more than just something, she said.

  Calla felt the pain in the weed's next words. But where do we go from here, Calla? How long will this feeling remain? How long will the roots endure without nurturing? The thing that scares me the most is one day I will meet you again and I will look into your eyes and what I will see is a stranger. I never want such a day to ever come to pass, he said.

  Nor do I, Theophilus, she said. I never want that.

  Theophilus shook his head. And that is what pains me most, Calla. That the possibility remains. I wish you understood fully. You are in my heart now and that is where you shall dwell forever, whether I am a stranger to you or not, he said.

  Patch, she said.

  The two said nothing more after that. The only further communication was the holding of hands that never relinquished their grips. Calla let go of Digus, knowing in her heart that Theophilus had said his peace and she had no answers for him. She wished she held such answers then, wished she could offer Theophilus hope for brighter days, yet she could not. And the understanding of that hurt her deeply.

  The group walked on for several hours in silence, stopping only for brief rests. No one spoke a word, yet the silence between Theophilus and Calla had grown loud. But even in those rests, their hands never separated. For while words and circumstance could cloud the future, their hearts and actions spoke the truths that could not be faced or uttered.

  Captain Shael continued to lead the group through darkness and peril. The sky above had at last began to shed the darkness in the slow rise of the Firestar. The group welcomed the warmth, seeing the new day as a sign of hope. Even Captain Shael looked skyward, smiling at the dawn and its embrace.

  It was then that his features darkened as he whispered to the group. "They've found us," he said as he drew his procured sword.

  Releasing Calla's hand, Theophilus readied Digus once more for battle as he placed himself in front of the flower. Looking about, he saw nothing, yet he didn't doubt Captain Shael's skills for a second. Soon the ground beneath them trembled as a large mound rose in the distance before revealing the orc known as Dobah and his master. At the sight of Norrex, Theophilus growled and resisted the urge to fire his wand.

  To Theophilus, Norrex looked more deadly than their previous encounter. There was no more need for an act and the pantheryn appeared to have embraced the darkness gladly. As his eyes fixed on Theophilus, the little weed saw the flash of anger ripple through him before he shifted his focus to Captain Shael. Dobah regarded the entire group indifferently, waiting with great patience for Norrex's next command.

  Keeping a clear distance, Norrex at last raised his silky voice, though it was coated with malice. "Captain Shael! You and your companions have proven to be resourceful and clever. This I commend. But I cannot allow you to leave. Judgment must come for the delays wrought by your escape, and I have been informed that the bill comes due on the little weed in your midst," he said.

  Captain Shael responded quickly. "We have come too far now, Norrex. I will not allow you to reclaim us. We will be free of you, and we will return to challenge you. On that you have my word," he said.

  Norrex chuckled as he clapped softly. "Bold, hallow words. Your valor is resolute, but your cause is still lost. My master still wishes for you to see the truth. And for that I will allow you leave. But the weed comes with me for his transgressions. Offer him freely and the rest of you shall live a while longer. For the price of one weed I will give you a head start. If this agreement is not met, you all may share the same fate now," he said.

  "Absolutely not!" Calla exclaimed in the defense of Theophilus.

  Norrex grinned wickedly at this. "Perhaps you should consult with the others of your group before you make such a rash decision, little flower," he said.

  Calla looked pleadingly at the Ranger. "Captain Shael, it is a trick. This pantheryn cannot be trusted. Theophilus's life is worth infinitely more than a few minutes of breathing room," she said.

  Captain Shael nodded to the flower. "We are in agreement," he said before he responded to Norrex. "We both know how treacherous you are, Norrex. Whatever mercy you would offer us for our friend's life is paltry and insulting. You get all of us or none of us," he said.

  Theophilus regarded the Ranger. "Are you sure, captain? I would gladly buy you the time," he said.

  Captain Shael motioned to the group. "We are all here because of you, Theophilus Thistle. We all owe you our lives and will not bargain yours, especially to an evil that cannot be trusted. I assure you we need to stand together, for they have something up their sleeves."

  "Understood, captain, and thank you," said Theophilus as he refocused on Norrex and Dobah.

  “So be it,” said Norrex as he tilted his head at the orc shaman. “You know what to do.”

  “Yes, my master,” said Dobah with a nod as he then offered a voice that shook the forest. “Minions! Swarm!” he commanded.

  At the orc’s words, a deafening pitch of shrieks and howls filled the air. The orc lowered his shaman magics, revealing what was hidden. Theophilus and the others realized quickly that they weren’t dealing with just a group of bandits, but rather a small army. The very sight of hundreds of orcs, goblins, weeds, and wolfen nearly froze them with fear. But as they began to rush toward them, Theophilus reclaimed his wits first.

  “We must flee at once,” yelled Theophilus as he aimed Digus at Dobah.

  “You heard the weed, run!” commanded Captain Shael.

  Theophilus used the power of Digus and Marin used her rock magic to cover the group as they retreated from the overwhelming force. As they fled, the forces under Norrex swarmed upon them like hungry locusts. Even with Marin’s considerable power and Theophilus firing Digus repeatedly, it did little to slow the advancing enemies. Their only option now was escape.

  Taking full advantage of the moment, Norrex conjured a deadly burst of dark energy. And while Captain Shael was quite nimble, he was unable to avoid the attack fully. The blast ate at the ground and the elf’s side, causing him to scream out painfully as he collapsed. Seeing the Ranger felled, Marin rushed to him, throwing the man on her shoulder before they continued to flee.

  Calla ducked as Theophilus blasted back a goblin trying to assault her. “Theophilus, what do we do?” she pleaded.

  “Keep running,” said Theophilus as he grabbed her arm. “Help is on the way.”

  As he spoke, Kelisay flew overhead. Flying across the battlefield, the kelpie released a stream of gathered water between Norrex’s forces and Theophilus’s band. As the waters hit the ground, they almost immediately turned to ice, creating a thick wall between the two sides. The dark minions assaulted the wall savagely, bellowing their rage as they did so. Kelisay turned then, flying overhead and covering the little weed and his friends as they escaped.

  “That will not hold them long, Theophilus!” said the kelpie as she kept vigilant. “You must find a way to elude them!”

  “Keep covering us, Kelisay, and thank you!” said the weed as he pushed the others forward.

  Theophilus could hear the ice wall moan and crack at the assaults upon it. Soon crashing sounds filled the forests as the gathered minions of evil resumed their chase. Theophilus ran at a daunting pace, searching about frantically for a means to elude their enemies. The wilderness had opened considerably and offered little in terms of places to hide his friends.

  “If anyone has any ideas on how to get out of this, I am all ears,” said Theophilus betw
een breaths.

  “We cannot outrun them,” said Marin grimly. “We must get out of sight quickly.” The stone troll then concentrated fiercely, stretching out her senses with her magic before her eyes snapped open again. “Theophilus, this way!”

  “Lead on, Marin,” said Theophilus as he squeezed Calla’s hand more tightly.

  Marin lead the group back to more rocky terrain and into her domain. Still holding to Captain Shael, the stone troll felt at the rocks around her. As she paused and searched, the others did their best to catch their breath as Kelisay landed and joined the group. Theophilus looked back nervously in the direction of the approaching enemy, knowing full well that their time was short.

  “What are you looking for, mother?” Elor asked, breathlessly.

  Without looking at him, Marin continued her search. “There are caverns close at hand. We need them if we are to escape on this day,” said the stone troll before her eyes lit up. “Aha!”

  Setting her focus upon a large boulder, Marin used her power over stone to break it down. Behind it was a slab of stone. Relieved to see it, Marin used her magics to open the slab, revealing a passageway behind it. The stone troll smiled at the sight of it, motioning for the group to enter.

  Marin’s discovery came not a moment too soon, for in the distance, their enemies had discovered them. Racing toward Theophilus and his friends now, the looks and shrieks heard chilled the group to the bone. Theophilus and Kelisay prepared to fend them off as Marin continued about her work. The group perhaps had a minute or two now before they were overrun.

  “This is a cavern forged by my people,” said Marin as she strained in effort. “It will keep us safe. Get inside, quickly!” she said.

  Theophilus urged the others inside as he kept them covered still. Arrows descended upon them as they ventured into the caverns. With everyone now inside, Marin followed them before using her magic to close the boulder. The group began to breathe a collective sigh of pure relief.

  It was then they realized that the opening would not close.

  Marin strained to close the doorway, yet she was resisted. The more she strained, the more it resisted her. She spoke then through gritted teeth. “It is the shaman, he fights my efforts,” she grunted.

  Elor tugged at her robes. “Then we must run now, mother! We will take our chances in the caverns,” he said.

  Marin looked at him quickly, sadness and love both thick upon her features. “No, my little Elor, I am afraid that is not the way,” she said before she placed Captain Shael on Kelisay’s back and walked again outside.

  Elor grew frantic at this. “Marin! Mother! What are you doing? Come back inside!”

  Marin turned to face him, smiling at her adopted son. “I am doing what I must to keep my child safe. I cannot overpower this shaman, but I can halt his advance,” she said.

  Elor rushed to her, hugging the stone troll fiercely. “Don’t do this, mother! There must be another way!”

  Marin hugged Elor deeply, kissing his head before she held him at arm’s length. “You must go on for me, little one. And you must know that I love you and I am proud to call you my son. Never stop being you, my little Elor, for your heart is without measure,” she said, offering him one last smile. Behind Marin the enemy was almost upon them. She then looked upon the little weed. “Theophilus, please keep him safe for me,” she added.

  The little weed nodded. “You have my word, Marin,” he said. He lowered his head as Calla hugged him fiercely.

  “Mother, please!” Elor cried, still trying to pull her back inside. “You must hurry! We need you. I need you!”

  “I love you, my Elor,” said Marin.

  “I love you, mother,” cried Elor.

  Marin turned from him then, using her body to cover the opening. The enemy was upon her. Little Elor tried desperately to pull her back inside to no avail. He could feel and hear her attacking the approaching minions but there were far too many. Soon they would be upon her. Soon it would be all over. Elor still tried, crying as he did so.

  And then Marin merged with the doorway and turned to stone.

  Elor fell back then, before calling out to his mother once more. The enemy assaulted upon the stone to no avail. Rising once more, Elor grabbed at Marin again, but the vitality was gone. All that was left was stone, the reminder of the price a troll paid for the love of her child. Elor fell to his knees then, weeping uncontrollably. The group lowered their heads, taking a moment to mourn their loss.

  At last, Theophilus, went to Elor, placing a hand on his shoulder. “We must go, my friend. For your love for Marin and her love for you, I implore you to come, please.”

  It took long moments, but Elor stood at last. Touching the stone that was Marin one last time, the little imp covered his eyes and allowed Theophilus to lead him away into the caverns. The group said nothing as they ventured into the depths. For each of them felt fully the loss and the sacrifice that Marin had made.

  With weary souls and heavy hearts, Theophilus and the others ventured again into the unknown.

  Chapter Eleven

  Into the Caverns

  It was a cold and quiet walk through the caverns. And while the path offered its own soft magical light, this did nothing to offer warmth to a group that had endured much in a short span. Having gone at least a league, Theophilus called for the group to rest. Huddled together, the entire party was exhausted as they kept vigil over an unconscious elf and a grieving imp. The loss of Marin had taken its toll on the group, but none more so than Elor.

  As Kelisay looked after Captain Shael, Theophilus and Calla did their best to console Elor. The imp was hugging his legs as he wept. Calla stroked his hand as Theophilus sat on the imp's shoulder, resting his head on Elor's. Neither plant knew what to say, and so they offered their warmth and presence. Theophilus hated that he would have to push Elor further, but they could not stay much longer.

  At last, Theophilus could allow the silence no longer. "I am so very sorry, Elor," he said.

  "We all grieve with you," said Calla as she squeezed his hand with both of hers.

  "It’s not fair," whispered the imp as he sobbed softly. "It’s not fair at all."

  Theophilus nodded as he continued to console his friend. “Fairness is often hard to find purely in this world, Elor. Everything about this situation is unfair. Marin was a wonderful person. She loved you. She didn't deserve to face death or the Dream, but she believed you should live more than both of those things. That is love, my friend. That is what she shared with you, her undying love because she felt you worthy to live on. And in that, she was right," he said.

  Theophilus's words sunk in deeply before the imp responded. "I'm lost, Patch. I don't know what I will do without her. When we found each other, I felt true happiness in my life. Now all I feel is a hole inside me that even my tears can't fill," he said.

  "Oh, Elor," breathed Calla as she rushed to hug him. The imp took her gently in his arms, careful not to crush the flower or spill his tears upon her.

  Theophilus sighed, pained to see his friend hurt so deeply. "You are not lost, Elor, but you are hurt though and in the dark. And I can promise you this. As your friends we will not let you remain there. We will be with you every step of the way, no matter how long it takes. Marin saved us all and we owe it to her sacrifice to live and press on despite the pain. That is difficult to see right now, my friend, but I promise you, you will get there with time. And we are with you," he said.

  "Thank you, Patch," whispered the imp. "But I don't see this pain ever leaving me."

  Theophilus shook his head. "And don't expect it to. That pain shall always remain. But it gets more bearable with time. I promise you that, Elor. The good memories and the love you feel will triumph over it. It will take time. There will be agonizing days. But you will get through. I know that as sure as I know the Firestar will rise," he said.

  "Okay," said Elor.

  Theophilus then hopped down to look Elor in the eyes. "But for now, for all
our sakes and to honor Marin's sacrifice, we must move on, my friend. I don't know how long we will be safe here or if the enemy can find another entrance. We must make it to safety and will do no such thing dwelling here," he said.

  The young imp nodded. "I understand," he breathed.

  "Good," said Theophilus as he squeezed Elor's shoulder. "I am still here for you, my friend. Do not forget that." With another nod from the imp, Theophilus turned his attention to Kelisay. "How is Captain Shael?”

  The kelpie shook her head. At her feet, the elf Ranger looked feverish and restless in unconsciousness. "Not well," she replied as she pointed a hoof to the Ranger's side. "He has been struck with a spell brimming with dark magics. It clings to his wound like a savage infection. I cannot cure it here, not without fresh clean waters to bolster my spells," she added.

  "Understood," said Theophilus as he gathered his gear and Digus. "Then prepare to move. We need to find our way through these taverns and to genuine safety."

  Standing, Mondoor brushed himself off and joined the conversation. "What is our next step?" he asked.

  Theophilus replied without looking at the flower. "Simply, we press on. If Marin guided us here, then these caverns lead someplace safe. We find our way out of here and out of harm's way," he said.

  "That sounds like we could head into the possibility of further peril," said Mondoor.

  "I will take my chances," said the little weed.

  Mondoor looked at those remaining of the royal guard. "And do we not have a say in the matter? I do not recall anyone appointing you leader of this group," he said.

  Theophilus stopped from his preparations to look squarely at the Alethian diplomat. He first pointed to the guards around Mondoor as he replied. "I saved the guard in your employ, just as I saved you. They owe me for their lives. As for you, I would not even begin to try to fathom or understand the job that you carry out for your people, and I respect you for that. But until you choose to pick up a weapon and fight for your life and the lives of the others present, I suggest you accept that your say has no place in this matter," he said before saying no more. Mondoor held back any further protest as he looked at the eyes of the royal guard upon him.